In response to John's Comment. Sorry if I am a little vague, but I don't want all my info out on the internet.
Name: Will
Hometown: Very Close to Orlando, FL
Occupation: Own a Business/Leader in a Church/Husband/Counselor and Friend to Others
College: Graduate of Indiana University
Enjoyments: Friendship, the seasons, reading, golf, church, teaching, speaking, riding my bike, blogging, riding horses, music and my wife and dog.
Dislikes: Headaches, hate, ignorance, never sleeping and asparagus.
Favorite Food: Thai or a juicy rare steak and potatoes.
Favorite Book: By now my brain is one big book, I like a lot of non-fiction
Your trademark: I have never met a stranger, and this drives my wife crazy.
I wish I could: Play the guitar
Currently listening to: Widespread Panic
Something I am afraid of: Never living up to my full potential
Something interesting from my past: I use to train lifeguards
Something I want for the future: to use my God given abilities (currently searching this)
Political View: Moderate
I am pretty much a simple kind of guy so this is me in a nutshell.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Ouch Bad Headache Today
Head is throbbing!! I hope all is well with everyone else. Just to let you know what I am currently reading.
The Cherry Log Sermons
The Cherry Log Sermons
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
80 vs. eternity
"Only one life, 'twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."
For arguments sake let's say a full and healthy life is 80 years. You have 80 years on this earth to do as you please, 80 years to waste or 80 years to enjoy. After those 80 years are up you have an eternity somewhere else. Now let's say the person you spend eternity with will know how you spent your 80 years. He will know if you spent it chasing fruitless dreams, giving into every desire, or worshiping something other than you were called to worship. How will you feel when you enter eternal life and great your Creator? What will you tell when he asks, "What did you do with the 80 years I gave you?"
This isn't a call to go stand on a street corner professing Christ (although if that is your thing more power to you). This is a call to evaluate your 80 years. Evaluate what truly matters in the eyes of God. Be honest and remember you have 80 years here, but an eternity somewhere else, make this life fruitful and productive.
For arguments sake let's say a full and healthy life is 80 years. You have 80 years on this earth to do as you please, 80 years to waste or 80 years to enjoy. After those 80 years are up you have an eternity somewhere else. Now let's say the person you spend eternity with will know how you spent your 80 years. He will know if you spent it chasing fruitless dreams, giving into every desire, or worshiping something other than you were called to worship. How will you feel when you enter eternal life and great your Creator? What will you tell when he asks, "What did you do with the 80 years I gave you?"
This isn't a call to go stand on a street corner professing Christ (although if that is your thing more power to you). This is a call to evaluate your 80 years. Evaluate what truly matters in the eyes of God. Be honest and remember you have 80 years here, but an eternity somewhere else, make this life fruitful and productive.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Speaking of Changes
Why is it changes and transitions are always the hardest thing. Choices to make, things to prepare for, things to do. It seems when we come to the final product (the result of the change) we are usually satisfied. But why do we detest the journey; the meat and potatoes of the change?
We like the new job but hate the job hunting process, we like the new house but hate the looking at all the houses, we like the new clothes but hate the shopping (well maybe some of us). So here we are on a venture that should have a great end result but the journey is a thorn in our side. I feel we should embrace the journey it will not only teach us valuable lessons, but also make the final product that much sweeter.
I know the end result of change is not always sweet. There is change involved in death, losing a job, turmoil in a marriage or family, financial hardship etc. and the end result of this change may be a bitter pill to swallow. But in this moment you must embrace the process, be introspective, find out what you are made of, and most of all have Faith. What good will it do you if you learn nothing about why you went through the financial hardship or why death occurs. You rob yourself and others of the important emotions, anguish and knowledge that is inherent in this process and most of all there is a high probability you might need these skills during the next change.
Lastly, in all change you must trust God. You must trust that He has your best interests in His heart. That your prayers are being heard although not answered exactly as you want. If you laughed all the time, would it have the same meaning? If God gave you sunshine everyday would it really make you smile? Enjoy the days in the sun, reflect in the hard times and know that in the end you will enjoy the rewards of a great relationship with the Lord.
We like the new job but hate the job hunting process, we like the new house but hate the looking at all the houses, we like the new clothes but hate the shopping (well maybe some of us). So here we are on a venture that should have a great end result but the journey is a thorn in our side. I feel we should embrace the journey it will not only teach us valuable lessons, but also make the final product that much sweeter.
I know the end result of change is not always sweet. There is change involved in death, losing a job, turmoil in a marriage or family, financial hardship etc. and the end result of this change may be a bitter pill to swallow. But in this moment you must embrace the process, be introspective, find out what you are made of, and most of all have Faith. What good will it do you if you learn nothing about why you went through the financial hardship or why death occurs. You rob yourself and others of the important emotions, anguish and knowledge that is inherent in this process and most of all there is a high probability you might need these skills during the next change.
Lastly, in all change you must trust God. You must trust that He has your best interests in His heart. That your prayers are being heard although not answered exactly as you want. If you laughed all the time, would it have the same meaning? If God gave you sunshine everyday would it really make you smile? Enjoy the days in the sun, reflect in the hard times and know that in the end you will enjoy the rewards of a great relationship with the Lord.
Changes
Changed things up a bit. Tired of the old white look and the boring header. Hope the changes are well liked.
"Easy" button
This article is so true. We were never promised an "easy" walk. We were promised a walk in which God would always be with us and one that leads to eternal life. So if you want "easy" keep searching, if you want a life of discovery and relationship keep the faith.
Link Here
Link Here
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Chevelle "Point #1"
This is one of my favorite songs....a must listen if you like harder rock. This song is off their first album. Read the lyrics....
It seems I’ve gained the world but have nothing
To keep tabs upon this loss isn’t wasted time
Face opportunities to recognize now we have time
Rebuke, don’t choke on this twisted dream
‘Cause he’ll pay for it, the whole sum
Or magnify pain is point number one
‘Cause he’ll say pay for it, the whole sum
Or magnify pain is point number one
It seems I’ve gained the world but have nothing
To keep tabs upon this loss isn’t wasted time
Face opportunities to recognize now we have time
Rebuke, don’t choke on this twisted dream
‘Cause he’ll say pay for it, the whole sum
Or magnify pain is point number one
We need a healing aloe plant
Your soothing hands run down my back
Hate - Couldn't do, couldn't do no wrong
Hate - Couldn't do, this could do you in
We need a healing aloe plant
Your soothing hands run down my back
We need a healing aloe plant
Your soothing hands run down my back
It seems I’ve gained the world but have nothing
To keep tabs upon this loss isn’t wasted time
Face opportunities to recognize now we have time
Rebuke, don’t choke on this twisted dream
‘Cause he’ll pay for it, the whole sum
Or magnify pain is point number one
‘Cause he’ll say pay for it, the whole sum
Or magnify pain is point number one
It seems I’ve gained the world but have nothing
To keep tabs upon this loss isn’t wasted time
Face opportunities to recognize now we have time
Rebuke, don’t choke on this twisted dream
‘Cause he’ll say pay for it, the whole sum
Or magnify pain is point number one
We need a healing aloe plant
Your soothing hands run down my back
Hate - Couldn't do, couldn't do no wrong
Hate - Couldn't do, this could do you in
We need a healing aloe plant
Your soothing hands run down my back
We need a healing aloe plant
Your soothing hands run down my back
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Roller Coaster Day
Up-down-Up-down-Up
Whoa what a day. One of those days in which you don't know whether to laugh, cry or smile. I hope this is one for the month and not another till next month. I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow and no Up-down-Up-down-Up. If so just try and smile.
Whoa what a day. One of those days in which you don't know whether to laugh, cry or smile. I hope this is one for the month and not another till next month. I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow and no Up-down-Up-down-Up. If so just try and smile.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Neck Better
Neck feels 100% better. Icy hot and Tylenol works wonders. Busy week ahead have some things planned that might be pretty cool. I hope all is well with everyone and you need to understand somebody else to show them compassion.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Ouch
Woke up this morning with a really bad kink in my neck. I can't move my neck from side to side with out spine tingling pain. Took some medicine and had a hot pack on it all morning it feels a bit better but not how I want to start the weekend.
Last weekend I read Tony Dungy's book "Quiet Strength" here are some notable quotes I picked from it:
Excerpt from Chuck Knoll: "Success is uncommon and not to be enjoyed by the common man. I am looking for uncommon people because we want to be successful, not average"
"To whom much is given, much is required--whether it's privileges, responsibilities, or material items. And if God has given you a lot of ability, I believe you should be held to a higher level of expectation."
"What you don't understand is that champions know it's all important....You have to understand that all the little things your coaches are asking of you really do matter. Knowing I can count on you is just as important as your talent. You'll always find excuses for not doing exactly what you're supposed to do. But that's exactly what creates a losing environment,"
"The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it. VISION will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve excellence. Only VISION allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action. VISION has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our VISION is what we become in life"
Last weekend I read Tony Dungy's book "Quiet Strength" here are some notable quotes I picked from it:
Excerpt from Chuck Knoll: "Success is uncommon and not to be enjoyed by the common man. I am looking for uncommon people because we want to be successful, not average"
"To whom much is given, much is required--whether it's privileges, responsibilities, or material items. And if God has given you a lot of ability, I believe you should be held to a higher level of expectation."
"What you don't understand is that champions know it's all important....You have to understand that all the little things your coaches are asking of you really do matter. Knowing I can count on you is just as important as your talent. You'll always find excuses for not doing exactly what you're supposed to do. But that's exactly what creates a losing environment,"
"The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it. VISION will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve excellence. Only VISION allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action. VISION has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our VISION is what we become in life"
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Commitment
Today lets talk about commitment. What are you committed to? What are you not committed to? Everyone struggles with commitment whether it be working out, diet, finishing up a project, or doing something the right way. I struggle with it the same as you. Often times we are committed to the things we love most or the things that have the most perceived impact on our life i.e. marriage, money, material things. These are things that have a measured impact on our life. If we are not committed in our marriage (although this is only the case with 50% of the population) we might find ourselves alone; if we are not committed to money we might not have a place to live, this list goes on and on.
Now lets talk about some of the stuff that we think doesn't have a big impact on us day to day.mSome examples would be Faith, doing the right thing, friendship and things we aren't paid to do. I think the lack of commitment in these areas is because we perceive we could live without them if absolutely necessary or something that is more important (marriage, money and material things) trumps them. Which brings me to some questions....
Is your commitment to your spouse greater than your commitment to God?
Does chasing money bring you more fulfillment than helping somebody in need?
Does a new "widget" make you smile more than a friend?
I think by their own guilt everyone would answer these questions with a no. But deep down most people if they answered honestly would have to say yes. We know why this is so now the real question is "how can we change it?".
I think people need to evaluate the reasons why they are committed to something and find out if it is either good or bad. Evaluate the things they are most committed to and the things they are least committed to. After that is all done evaluate what the short term and long term impacts and benefits these things have. For Example:
Faith: Worship once a week, fellowship, sometimes questioning, fullness, filled, happy
Friendship: Smiling most of the time, sometimes hard times, trust, somebody to talk to
Money: pay the bills, sometimes stressful, takes up a lot of time, fun to buy things
Widgets: thrill of something new, something to tell others about, something to enjoy for a while
The list could go on and on. But I think if people would be honest with themselves they will find they are not committed to the things that really matter in life. They fool themselves into happiness; they take the easier route when in the end it is the most difficult they will ever experience.
Now lets talk about some of the stuff that we think doesn't have a big impact on us day to day.mSome examples would be Faith, doing the right thing, friendship and things we aren't paid to do. I think the lack of commitment in these areas is because we perceive we could live without them if absolutely necessary or something that is more important (marriage, money and material things) trumps them. Which brings me to some questions....
Is your commitment to your spouse greater than your commitment to God?
Does chasing money bring you more fulfillment than helping somebody in need?
Does a new "widget" make you smile more than a friend?
I think by their own guilt everyone would answer these questions with a no. But deep down most people if they answered honestly would have to say yes. We know why this is so now the real question is "how can we change it?".
I think people need to evaluate the reasons why they are committed to something and find out if it is either good or bad. Evaluate the things they are most committed to and the things they are least committed to. After that is all done evaluate what the short term and long term impacts and benefits these things have. For Example:
Faith: Worship once a week, fellowship, sometimes questioning, fullness, filled, happy
Friendship: Smiling most of the time, sometimes hard times, trust, somebody to talk to
Money: pay the bills, sometimes stressful, takes up a lot of time, fun to buy things
Widgets: thrill of something new, something to tell others about, something to enjoy for a while
The list could go on and on. But I think if people would be honest with themselves they will find they are not committed to the things that really matter in life. They fool themselves into happiness; they take the easier route when in the end it is the most difficult they will ever experience.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
What is your motivation?
That response made me wonder about some of my motives when I reach out to others. If I don’t receive a response I sometimes get perturbed. If there is not acknowledgement of my “heroics” I feel hurt or angry. When I simply do the right thing for one of God’s struggling creatures should I expect anything in return? What is my reason for helping others?
Click here for the article
Click here for the article
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Simple Man
Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say.
And if you do this
It will help you some sunny day.
Take your time... dont live too fast,
Troubles will come and they will pass.
Go find a woman and youll find love,
And dont forget son,
There is someone up above.
And be a simple kind of man.
Be something you love and understand.
Be a simple kind of man.
Wont you do this for me son,
If you can?
Forget your lust for the rich mans gold
All that you need is in your soul,
And you can do this if you try.
All that I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.
Boy, dont you worry... youll find yourself.
Follow you heart and nothing else.
And you can do this if you try.
All I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.
Rossington/Vanzant
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say.
And if you do this
It will help you some sunny day.
Take your time... dont live too fast,
Troubles will come and they will pass.
Go find a woman and youll find love,
And dont forget son,
There is someone up above.
And be a simple kind of man.
Be something you love and understand.
Be a simple kind of man.
Wont you do this for me son,
If you can?
Forget your lust for the rich mans gold
All that you need is in your soul,
And you can do this if you try.
All that I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.
Boy, dont you worry... youll find yourself.
Follow you heart and nothing else.
And you can do this if you try.
All I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.
Rossington/Vanzant
Friday, August 3, 2007
My photo of the day.....
Taken a few years back, but this is one of my favorite pictures of the Enzo.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Youth leaning to left
Great article on how the younger voting generation is leaning to the left. I don't think there is a one size fits all party, it is usually which party you agree with at the time as things change, peoples opinions change, ideals change etc. etc. It does seem that the Republican Party has an uphill battle in 08, it is the Democrats election to lose.
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/11549919/
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/11549919/
The Next Thing
The article about "The Next Church" got me thinking. What is your "next" thing. Next requires us to no longer think/live in the present but in the future. Always thinking about what is coming or going next. I do not think this is very healthy to do. While planning is fundamental, it should not consume us. We can't control the next no matter how hard we try. So why do we long for something we can't control nor can foresee. Are we that miserable in our current place; that uncomfortable? I know there is a longing in everyones heart they can't explain and until they fill that void they will be uncomfortable; always going to the next thing to see if it fits. Why not stand still for a second and listen, really listen to what your heart is calling for and it isn't the newest self help book, life track, ipod, flat-screen TV, car, or house. Are you defined by what you consume or what consumes you? Go pray, walk, ride, just get out and listen. Listen for that calling, you won't hear it sitting in front of your T.V., computer, or radio. Go be alone, quite and listen.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Next Church
I guess it follows suit with our culture...
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11549758/
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11549758/
Just how connected are we?
Seems our overspending isn't just hurting us.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/business/01cnd-stocks.html?ex=1343620800&en=2e26dcc1467c3ce4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/business/01cnd-stocks.html?ex=1343620800&en=2e26dcc1467c3ce4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
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